All of the university’s schools and colleges strongly recommend that students bring a computer to campus.’

This statement begins Syracuse University’s official computer recommendation page. Sure, the labs are there, but having a personal computer is both a huge convenience and a method for keeping files, calendars, contacts and any other important information in the same place.

Students must decide between a Windows-based PC and a Macintosh. With the recent release of Windows Vista and the upcoming release of Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard, the choice seems even more difficult.Obviously most of the choice relies on personal preference, but students must consider the specific needs of their home college or major before making such a large purchase.

School of Architecture

As is the norm for the school’s official recommendations, the School of Architecture says they are a PC school, but students can use Macs if they like. However, they warn that to ensure compatibility, students should use PCs. They also suggest a laptop as opposed to a desktop due to its increased portability.

The Architecture program has another interesting suggestion: large external monitors. Since a large screen is vital to effectively use architectural programs, they suggest no smaller than 15.4-inch displays. They also suggest students eventually buy external monitors sized 20 inches or more and graphics cards with more than 128 MB that are capable of running them effectively.

The School of Architecture also has a list of recommended software available on their Web site.

• Advantage: PC
• PC 1 – Mac 0

Arts and Sciences

There is a variety of programs and majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, so making a computer decision before choosing a major is near impossible.

For many, it depends on personal preference. As long as the student can write papers, receive e-mails and use the Internet, they should be fine.

Then there are others that require additional software, like many of the science lab classes that require PC-based analysis programs.

The college suggests students speak to someone in their chosen field before making their choice.

• Advantage: Push
• PC 1 – Mac 0

Engineering

The College of Engineering strongly recommends a PC, since most of the required software works on PCs only. However, the biomedical department uses Macs.They introduce an interesting problem, however. Most of the software required for their classes is only available in the school’s labs.

‘These companies offer us discounted education packages,’ said Neil Jasper, the data systems administrator at the College of Engineering. ‘They don’t want students to put the educational versions on their own computers and then use them when they work for a business.’

Although students can pay large prices to buy the necessary engineering programs for themselves, Jasper said most just use the software on the lab computers.

There is one software package, Pro e, that can be distributed to students for a specific class. Other than that, they must use the labs.

• Advantage: PC
• PC 2 – Mac 0

The School of Information Studies

‘In general, it’s a mostly PC-based university and school,’ said Susan Bonzi, associate professor at the School of Information Studies, adding that like the engineering program, they have some programs that require PCs to run.

However, some of their students need Macs for their personal interests.

‘If a student is really into creating graphic interfaces or wants to go into animation, then we’d suggest a computer that would handle the graphics better,’ Bonzi said.

She added that due to the high demands of program development and graphic interfaces, students may need something more powerful. Although the labs are capable of handling almost all of the projects, the student may want a higher-end computer with a better processor, more storage capacity and a better graphics card.

• Advantage: PC
• PC 3 – Mac 0

Newhouse

One could split Newhouse into three categories of computer needs.

First would be the newspaper and magazine majors, who rely on their computers for Internet and word processing. The mandatory GRA 217 class can be handled in the labs, so beyond that, the computer choice is up to the user.

Second are the graphics, photography and public relations majors. They require the visual editing programs from the Adobe Creative Suite, like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. These programs, though available for a Windows-based PC, run considerably better on a Mac.

‘Generally, graphics majors buy their own Macs by junior or senior year, so they don’t need to continue using the labs,’ said Allison VanSciver, senior graphic arts major and lab assistant in Newhouse’s Mac labs. ‘Graphics, photo, PR, all of the visually creative majors should get Macs.’

The last group is made up of the broadcast majors. While their labs use the program Avid on PCs, according to VanSciver, most students have Macs. Avid runs better on a Mac, VanSciver said.

The labs in Newhouse I are the only place where students can use Macintosh computers already installed with Adobe Creative Suite 2 outside of owning their own.

• Advantage: Mac
• PC 3 – Mac 1

VPA

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers some computer-intensive majors with very specific requirements. The School of Art and Design prefers Macintosh computers. For the department of transmedia, a Mac is required as well, and students are expected to bring one to campus.

• Advantage: Mac
• Final score: PC 3 – Mac 2 (1 draw)

Published on April 26, 2007 at 12:00 pm